Student influencer Lydia King on using social media to combat depression and anxiety
One of the Seven Social Standards that The Social Institute believes in is: Finding Your Influencers. This means surrounding yourself with positive role models who support you and encourage you to play to your core. To help students find these positive and credible influences, we began our Student Influencer Program. Each week we select a different student to take over our Instagram and highlight how they act as a positive influence and inspiration in their communities.
This week, we are excited to introduce Lydia King. Lydia is a Sophomore at North Carolina State University. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. Lydia is also a marketing intern here at The Social Institute and is passionate about helping students navigate social media safely. Outside of school, work, and social media, Lydia loves to read, cook, paint, and write. She believes that as much as social media is beneficial, it’s important that we take a break from it every once-in-a-while. Social media helps Lydia connect with others who are struggling with depression, anxiety and more. Additionally, connecting with people like herself provides an outlet to talk about challenges she is facing. She is excited to show others what social media has to offer in the way of social emotional health and improving mental well-being.
Recently, we interviewed Lydia to learn more about her and how social media impacts her life. Here is what she had to say:
What do you value about yourself or others?
One of the things I value most about myself and others is empathy and compassion. We all have struggles and we all make mistakes. I think it’s super important to support and understand those who are going through a lot, as well as show compassion when someone makes a mistake. It all goes back to the golden rule.
What are your personal goals?
In the short term, I am trying to make better daily habits. I feel like making these healthy habits really improves my mental health. In the long term, I’d love to develop my own company or non-profit and be a CEO. I have to dream big!
What are the things you try to accomplish each day?
Each day I make it a priority to reach out to my friends and family. Checking in on the people you care about is super important and is more meaningful to them than you may know. Aside from that, I go back to the daily habits that I try to complete each day. I try to read every morning, make my bed, write up a plan for the day, and then follow through.
What or who inspires you most?
My aunt is definitely one of the most inspirational people I know. Throughout her life she has given so much of herself to others without ever asking for anything in return. I truly think she is a hero and a saint. She’s also dedicated part of her life to being a child therapist, and I admire her work so much. Helping others who are struggling can be physically and mentally exhausting, but she has done it for decades. She is my inspiration.
How has social media acted as a positive influence on your life?
Social media has made it so much easier to connect with my long distance friends and family, as well as stay connected with everyone throughout COVID. Additionally, social media has connected me with people all around the world that are going through similar challenges that I’ve been facing. Social media has definitely made the world a lot less lonely in my opinion.
Of our Seven Social standards, which one would you most resonate with and why?
These social standards are hard to choose from because so many are important, but I have to go with Use Your Mic for Good. I think, especially as a student and a woman in a male dominated field, it’s important to use your voice to help others and create change. I want to be able to advocate for women studying business everywhere and let them know they can be successful. For a while I thought I couldn’t, but now I’m top of my class! Crazy how things work out.
If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give to him/her about navigating social media or social relationships?
I’d probably let her know that she’s stronger than she thinks and that if she is passionate about helping others online, she should do it, and not worry about the hate she will receive because it will pass.
The Social Institute partners with schools nationwide to empower students, families, and educators to positively navigate social-emotional health, social media, and technology. Schools access our student-respected, turnkey curriculum through WinAtSocial.com, an interactive, gamified learning platform. With solutions for students, parents, and educators, we offer a systemic and comprehensive social media and social-emotional health program through a unique and positive approach. We are proud to serve public and independent partners such as Ravenscroft School, Woodward Academy, Oldfields School, All Saints Episcopal School, Lake Forest School District, Boston Public Schools, and more. For more information on how to empower your students to make high-character decisions online and off, please contact us.